Tony Blais, QMI Agency

EDMONTON — An Edmonton father accused of starving and physically abusing his two-year-old twin daughters — one of whom later died — pleaded guilty to manslaughter on Tuesday.

The 36-year-old man, who can only be identified as D.L. under a publication ban protecting the identity of the children, also pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and two counts of failing to provide the necessaries of life.

A sentencing hearing date is scheduled to be set Friday.

His wife, who can only be identified as M.B., is still facing a murder charge and is currently slated to go to trial.

The couple, who are landed immigrants from Algeria with permanent resident status, were arrested on June 12, 2012.

According to agreed facts, the twin girls suffered "non-accidental inflicted physical injuries" and the "systematic and prolonged deprivation of nourishment."